Drug and Alcohol Rehab for Green Bay, Wisconsin
Historical Green Bay and substance abuse
Often known as “Title Town” for its many successes in the world of sports, Green Bay is a beautiful city located at the head of the Green Bay sub-basin of Lake Michigan. Situated at the mouth of the Fox River, Green Bay is the 3rd-largest city in Wisconsin by population. To make it even more interesting for residents and visitors alike, Green Bay is steeped in history and has a highly unique local culture.
Prior to European settlements, Green Bay was primarily populated by the Menominee and Ho-Chunk tribes. These Native Americans occupied the region for hundreds of years before French fur traders arrived. The first European to discover the area was French explorer Jean Nicolet, who landed on the shores of Green Bay in 1634. He established a trading post there and learned about the region from the Menominee and Ho-Chunk people.
However, it would be another 100 years before more permanent settlements were established. In 1765, Charles de Langlade brought his family from Canada to live in Green Bay. During this time, England officially controlled the area and would continue to do so until the end of the American Revolution in 1783. In the years after, Green Bay saw significant expansion as a trading hub, thanks in large part to the construction of the Erie Canal. The city was officially incorporated in 1834. By this time, it was already a major regional trade stop for lumber, paper, and fur.
Today, Green Bay looks much different than the wilderness Jean Nicolet encountered nearly 400 years ago. With a population of over 107,000 (and growing), Green Bay represents a diverse mixture of cultures and ethnicities, with significant influence from its Native American, French, and British inhabitants. Immigration from both Africa and Asia has also left a lasting impact on the city.
While Green Bay is known internationally for its sports teams, namely the Green Bay Packers, it is also home to a vibrant art scene. Some of the city’s most notable institutions include the Neville Public Museum, the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts, and the Meyer Theatre. Green Bay also attracts visitors every year to enjoy events like Artstreet, the Bellin Run, and the Festival of Lights at Lambeau Field.
Nonetheless, the Green Bay Packers remain the city’s biggest draw and a major part of its contemporary culture. Known as “Cheeseheads,” Packers fans are passionate about their team, which, as of this writing, has won a total of 4 Super Bowls. This makes the Packers tied for having the third-most Super Bowl wins of any team in the NFL.
But if you live in Green Bay, you know that the city is not all fun and games. Sadly, the opioid crisis and COVID-19 pandemic hit the area hard, increasing cases of addiction and economic instability. Even now that the pandemic has largely subsided, many Green Bay residents are struggling to overcome drug and alcohol abuse.